A PETITION has been launched in a bid to see a bus service connecting North Berwick and Edinburgh reintroduced.

East Coast Buses’ X5 service was halted due to national lockdown restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

The service, which passed through Dirleton, Gullane, Aberlady and Longniddry before joining the A1, is yet to get back on the road.

Instead, commuters can make the journey on the company’s 124 service. However, passengers have a lengthier commute as the bus passes through Prestonpans, Wallyford and Musselburgh before reaching the Capital.

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, has called for the X5 service to be reinstated and has now started a petition.

He said: “I wrote to East Coast Buses outlining residents’ concerns about the suspension of the X5 bus service.

“Unfortunately, the response back was disappointing, and East Coast Buses have so far refused to provide a timeline for the recommencement of the service.

“That’s why I am asking local people to show their support for the service and demonstrate to East Coast Buses the strength of feeling on this issue.”

Mr Hoy was also backed by a Conservative colleague.

Councillor Jeremy Findlay, who represents the North Berwick Coastal ward, which covers Dirleton, Gullane and Aberlady, highlighted how crucial the X5 service was to people in the area.

He said: “For those who want a sustainable way into work in Edinburgh, the 124 is too slow while the X5 is the route of choice. Lothian Buses should reinstate the X5 as soon as possible.”

East Coast Buses is a subsidiary of Lothian Buses, which is owned by East Lothian Council and the three other local council areas in Lothian.

Last week, East Coast Buses highlighted the issues they were facing.

A spokeswoman said: “We are in an extremely challenging recruitment market, which, coupled with our safety protocols for colleagues who find themselves in the Covid-19 track and trace cycle, means that we are experiencing significant resourcing difficulties in our driving team on a day-to-day basis.”

To sign the petition, go to craighoy.co.uk/x5-bus